Najib: Those committed to Umno will not quit

Umno president Najib Abdul Razak today said those who were still committed to Umno will stick with him and continue to strengthen the party.

He said this when asked if he feared other party leaders would follow Dr Mahathir Mohamad's move to exit Umno.

"It is up to them, but we will make sure that Umno remains strong.

"This means leaders who are committed to Umno and are with me will continue to strengthen Umno," Najib was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Mahathir had quit Umno for a second time on Monday.

Speculation is rife as to whether Najib's now suspended deputy Muhyiddin Yassin will stay in the party.

Muhyiddin was suspended last Friday from his post as Umno deputy president by the party supreme council for continuously speaking out against Najib.

The former deputy prime minister is expected to announce his decision whether or not he will quit Umno tomorrow.

So far besides Mahathir and his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali, only former Batu Kawan Umno vice-chief Khairuddin Abu Hassan has quit the party.

Rebel Umno branch leaders bandied under Gerakan Ketua Cawangan Malaysia (GKCM) yesterday announced that they will stick with the party, and act as an internal pressure group to force Najib out. -Mkini